Canon FTB(N) model focusing screen.

Questioning as to whether there were other screens available for the series. I'd love to get a brighter screen, but it appears there are no aftermarket ones available.

Not sure that any of the FTb had removeable screens...not that I am aware of. The Canon Camera Museum is a great source for all things Canon. BTW the AT-1, is basicly the same camera in the A series, the first of them with interchangeable screens I think was the AE-1Program.

photomc said:

Not sure that any of the FTb had removeable screens...not that I am aware of. The Canon Camera Museum is a great source for all things Canon. BTW the AT-1, is basicly the same camera in the A series, the first of them with interchangeable screens I think was the AE-1Program.

Click to expand...

I had the AE1P and sold it a number of years ago. Wound up later with the FTBn that I have now, and I love the mirror up function. I just wish the screen could be replaced and I wouldn't doubt that a camera repair person could cut one down and install it. If one went in, one can come out, but I suppose it would take some disassembly and would cost me more then I want to spend. I think there is a thread around here about bodies (in general) with mirror up functions.

Can anyone comment on other Canon bodies screens and their brilliance. The F1N had to have been better.

No Sorry.

waynecrider said:

Questioning as to whether there were other screens available for the series. I'd love to get a brighter screen, but it appears there are no aftermarket ones available.

Click to expand...

No sorry wayne, the screens are not interchangable, I have a couple of FTbn bodys I've enjoyed using for nearly twenty years I know it's not the brightest screen my Canon A1s are much brighter, as are the F1 screens, but you just have to get used to it.

I found the New F1 (with the centre weighted metering, microprism+split screen... sorry, I don't know the call letters) to be very bright, but all the Canon's I have used seem to be pretty good. The oldest I have had was an early production EF (no split-prism), and I suppose it was a touch dimmer than the New F1, but not noticably so. I think with the cameras like FTb, given their prices and age, you kind of have to see their shortcomings as their charms. If you want to improve on them, its really difficult to justify modifications financially. I am sure this proposed operation would cost a lot more than getting an EF or an orignal F1 (the reason I mention those is because you mentioned MLU as something you appreciate, understandably). Then again, I understand there is a way to fit a new screen to almost anything, if you have the money - so its a matter of how dear the little FT is to you.

Peter.

gnashings said:

I found the New F1 (with the centre weighted metering, microprism+split screen... sorry, I don't know the call letters) to be very bright, but all the Canon's I have used seem to be pretty good. The oldest I have had was an early production EF (no split-prism), and I suppose it was a touch dimmer than the New F1, but not noticably so. I think with the cameras like FTb, given their prices and age, you kind of have to see their shortcomings as their charms. If you want to improve on them, its really difficult to justify modifications financially. I am sure this proposed operation would cost a lot more than getting an EF or an orignal F1 (the reason I mention those is because you mentioned MLU as something you appreciate, understandably). Then again, I understand there is a way to fit a new screen to almost anything, if you have the money - so its a matter of how dear the little FT is to you.

Peter.

Click to expand...

The FTBn is nice little camera but I am not tied to it. The mirror lockup helps in my mind for better pictures but the shutter may detract in the end. I also don't think that I would appreciate the focusing screen in dim cathedrals. I could easily add an F1N for a two body kit or may just dump it and use my Nikons.

I've Nikon N80 bodies that I can take, and may do so, only because there's two of them and they are quiet little cameras to shoot in surroundings where one may wish to go (practically) unheard. I just read an older article last night where they tested out quieter then the Bessa's R model, another camera that I have been looking at. The plastic nature of them tho may not hold up to the rigors of the road, especially if I decided to ride a motorcycle. Here is where an older Canon body would survive.

If I had my druthers a used Leica SLR would be great, but a body, say a R6.2 and a three lens kit are too high priced to justify for the results garnered. Still, if I found a good deal on a R model I may be apt to pick it up. With Zeiss coming out with lenses in the Nikon mount it may be a way to go in the future. Right now I have 4 lenses for the FTBn and 4 for the Nikon. The kits lenses are approximately equal in potential.

Well, I certainly don't think anyone has ever had too many regrets about using Nikons - they have a stellar reputation for a reason. But, if you have some Canon FD gear, it may be the less expensive way to build a bigger system. FD lenses are pretty much a bargain because of the Canon mount change, and some of the bodies are pretty neat. Whatever you do, I am sure you'll have fun.